Jack and the Beanstalk

When I read that The Talisman were to do a relaxed pantomime performance, I immediately enquired about tickets so that I could take my granddaughters ages 9 & 7. Vivienne the older girl, often accompanies me when I’m reviewing for NODA  if I feel the show suits her age group and is always impeccably behaved. Gabrielle however often asks if she can come but is not familiar with theatre etiquette and if I’m honest would find it challenging with her sensory perceptions at present, I must say I had no need to worry that her needs would be catered for in every respect.

We were welcomed into the foyer and each child was given a wonderful gift of a sensory bag containing so many thoughtfully chosen items to entertain and give a link to the story, a small carrot complete with a squeak, a pot of slime, and some jelly beans to name but a few things that were constantly in and out of the cloth bag (still in use today) during the pantomime.

One thing I really liked was the introduction to the cast done by Sally right before the start, the lights were dimmed but not dark, and the doors were left open. Ear defenders were available for those who might need them, bless her, Gabrielle felt she would be ok and asked me to let others have use of them. Each character was then introduced both without their full costume heads, then especially relevant with the Giant, Sally explained that the cast were very good at acting and not to be frightened as they weren’t really scary as they were acting that way to tell everyone the story.

Once the pantomime started, I must congratulate the cast for carrying on regardless when working through their dialogue. The audience reaction being a total unknown at any given moment.

Ellie Chapman gave a lovely characterful performance as Fairy Greenbean whose every entrance saw me ferreting in the cloth bag for the miniature carrot! Ferreting yet again for the pot of slime every time Robert Jones as the baddie set foot on stage. We lost count of how many costume changes were made by Alistair Jolliffe as Tillamina Trot and I would be hard pushed to choose a favourite as they were all wonderful. Kevin Wing and Sean Noone played Jack & Tommy Trot respectively, there were lots of subtle adult jokes throughout plus a few that the kids in the audience could also understand, I thought the duo were well paired. Amanda Wright played the larger-than-life character Baroness Betina Beetroot. Phoebe Dann played Miranda and Harriet was played by another member of the talented Jolliffe family, Amy. Rosemary Gowers was Buttercup and last but not least of the principal lineup was Harry Bowser as the Giant Blunderbore. Along with a great supporting adult and junior ensemble who filled the stage with some well-rehearsed rousing chorus numbers including some energetic choreography. The well-chosen musical numbers enhanced and told the story throughout. As I mentioned earlier it could have been so distracting especially for those with less experience to see free movement in and around the theatre and hear loud talking and noises. One little younger child just wanted to stand as close to the front as possible without actually setting foot on stage, all the cast did so well to support each other, true teamwork.

Talisman Theatre always strives to produce a professional standard production in every way, Jack and the Beanstalk was no exception. The creatives and crew did a Stirling job once again and the costumes were wonderful. It would have been helpful for me to have the musical numbers listed for reference, apologies if I missed this, as I was constantly in the bag looking for the items my granddaughter wanted to hold whilst she and her sister were intently watching the colourful spectacle.

Congratulations to all concerned, I really can’t think of anything you could add to make the relaxed performance more inclusive. I will most definitely be booking tickets for next year if you feel it has been a success.

A wonderful afternoon for me, being able to experience live theatre with my grandchildren.

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